Ranchi, Sep 17 (IANS) Unhappy with the worsening law and order situation in Jharkhand and failure of the state government to announce a new industrial policy, traders in the state have decided not to participate in the industry fair this year to be held in November.
The traders blamed the Madhu Koda government for failing to come out with the industrial, purchase and rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) policies.
In November 2006, the state government had promised to announce these polices within a year. The traders are also unhappy with the worsening law and order situation in the state.
“There is no conducive atmosphere for business in the state,” said Arun Budhia, president of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Muscle-flexing by politicians also worries businessmen. Kohinoor Steel Company (KSC) had to close down its operation in the state after Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supporters laid siege to its factory on July 4.
KSC had signed a MoU with the state government to set up a 2.5-million tonne capacity green field steel plant at a cost of Rs.5.05 billion.
JMM is a key ally of the Madhu Koda government and no action was taken against the attackers.
In the last six months, seven traders have been attacked and four abducted for ransom.
Unhappy traders have already announced their decision to boycott the functions of politicians.
Reacting to the traders’ announcement not to participate in the industry fair, deputy chief minister Sudhi Mahto, who is in charge of the industry department, told IANS, “We will look into the matter. It is true that we had promised the industrial, purchase and R&R policies. The R&R policy is ready and will be announced by the first week of October. We will persuade them to participate in the industry fair.”